Ray, Ralph L.

RAY, BETTS, CRAVEN, PROUD, MELVIN

Posted By: Ruth Maring - VOLUNTEER
Date: 8/11/2010 at 19:48:30

Ralph L. Ray - 91
6/28/1919 - 8/3/2010

Clinton, IA - Ralph L. Ray age 91 of Clinton, died Tuesday Aug. 3, 2010 at Mercy Living Center South. Funeral services will be Noon Friday, Aug. 6th at the Pape Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday 10:00 am until the service hour at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Austin Schmidt, Frank Proud, Glen Melvin, Opie Taylor, Brian and Brad Pray. Honorary pallbearers will be Willie Carroll and Bert Melvin. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.

Ralph was born on June 28, 1919 in Atoka, OK, the son of William and Cordia (Betts) Ray. He served in the US Army during WWII from 1940-1945. He received several medals of service which include: African Middle Eastern Medal, American Defense & Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze & Silver Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and Bronze Arrowhead & American Defense Ribbon. He married Charlotte Craven in 1946 in Kansas City, MO; she died in 1974. Ralph worked as a welder for Chicago Northwestern Railroad in Clinton car shops for over 37 years, retiring in 1981. He was a member of VFW, AMVETS, American Legion, and Choctaw Tribe of Choctaw Nation. He enjoyed fishing, dancing, blue grass music, car rides, watching trains, and eating at Village Inn & Hardees.

Ralph is survived by his two daughters, Mary (Frank) Proud and Theresa (Glen) Melvin both of Clinton; a son, Benton Ray Sr. of Clinton; five grandchildren, Lynette, Tammy, Brian, Benton, and Brad; five great grandchildren, Mary Ruth, Austin, Anthony, Samantha, and Rachel. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, granddaughter, Robin, great grandson, Brian Jr., stepson, Virgil, two brothers, and a sister.

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